Durable pest-repelling formulations

ABSTRACT

Formulations usable in repelling pests from objects are provided. The formulations contain a tacky polymeric composition and can be aqueous formulations and/or formulation that are devoid of an organic solvent. The formulations exhibit exceptional durability when applied to objects such as plants.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/640,359 filed on Feb. 20, 2020, which is a National Phase of PCTPatent Application No. PCT/IL2018/050919 having International FilingDate of Aug. 20, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority of IsraelPatent Application No. 254075 filed on Aug. 20, 2017. The contents ofthe above applications are all incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to insectcontrol and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to formulations forrepelling pests such as social insects (e.g., ants), which exhibitimproved durability, and to methods employing same.

Insects cause considerable damage to plants, in both agriculture, andpublic and private lawns and gardens. For example, various species ofants cause significant damage to trees, growing crops and germinatingseeds, and pose economic and health problems. Ants, such as fire ants,may also cause damage to substrates such as telephone and electricalwires.

In general, insects are typically removed from a specific locus with aninsecticide. However, the use of insecticides causes several majorconcerns. Most insecticide formulations pose a significant threat to theenvironment, for being toxic to plants and animals, including humans,particularly when applied to large areas. The use of insecticidesfurther poses environmental concerns as it can result in contaminationof agricultural products, possible contamination of ground water, etc.Further, insecticides typically do not discriminate between harmful anduseful insects which might be exposed to the insecticide. Moreover, thehigh reproductivity and developments of resistance to commonly usedinsecticides render these agents less effective and require ongoingdevelopment of new insecticides.

One alternative approach to the use of insecticides for controllingcertain insects is the use of attractants or repellents. Such agents areparticularly useful against social insects (e.g., ants, wasps, termites,and the like) which communicate with others of their species and withtheir environment largely through behaviorally active chemicals. Some ofthe chemicals cause repellency or inhibition of ongoing behavior andothers cause attraction. For example, alarm compounds released from anant which is injured or attacked may cause a variety of specificbehaviors, including repellency, in nearby ants of the same species.

Insect repellents typically form a barrier between the insects and aspecific site where the insects are not to enter, and are therefore alsoreferred to in the art as “insect barrier” or “insect barricade”.

Such agents can be applied to surfaces of plants and other animate andnon-animate objects which are prone to insect attacks, and reduce orprevent the damage caused to these objects.

While the use of repellents for agricultural and/or household insectmanagement provides several advantages over the use of insecticides,particularly since it avoids the development of resistance, the use ofcurrently known repellents is limited by a loss of substantial activityover time, due, for example, to chemical and/or physical instabilityunder environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, precipitations, extremetemperatures, oxidation, etc.). Moreover, most of the currently knownrepellents are considered as hazardous materials, being unsafe for theuse and/or environmentally unfriendly.

For an insect repellent to be effective, it should withstandenvironmental conditions for a prolonged time period.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,061,478 discloses sprayable bird and pest repellentcompositions which comprise a tacky polyolefin, a thixotropic agent andan organic solvent. Additional background art includes U.S. Pat. Nos.3,306,817, 4,822,614 and 4,693,889, and EP Patent Application Nos.84109216.6 and 87101049.2

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a formulation comprising a tacky polymericcomposition, an emulsifying agent or system and water, wherein an amountof the water is at least 20 weight percents of the total weight of theformulation, and wherein a weight ratio of the polymer and the surfaceactive agent is at least 10:3

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the tackypolymeric composition comprises or consists of a tacky polymer.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the tackypolymer is a polyolefin.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, thepolyolefin is a polybutene.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amountof the tacky polymeric composition ranges from 50 to 79.9 weightpercents of the total weight of the formulation.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the tackypolymeric composition is characterized by tackiness of at least 400 N/m²or at least 450 N/m² or at least 480 N/m².

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amountof the emulsifying agent or system ranges from 0.1 to 27 weightpercents, of the total weight of the formulation.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theemulsifying agent or system is or comprises a non-ionic emulsifyingagent.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theemulsifying agent or system comprises a fatty acid.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theemulsifying agent or system features an HLB value lower by at least 5%or by at least 10%, or by at least 20%, from the HLB value required forforming a stable formulation of the tacky polymeric composition andwater.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theemulsifying agent or system features an HLB value lower than 15.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation further comprises a thixotropic agent.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amountof the thixotropic agent ranges from 0.1 to 2 weight percents.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation further comprises at least one additional agent selectedfrom a pH adjusting agent, a preservative, a stabilizer, an anti-foamingagent, a dispersing agent, an anti-oxidant, a UV-stabilizer, ananti-sagging agent, a surface active agent, a plasticizer and acoalescence agent.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is in a form of an aqueous dispersion.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is packaged in a packaging container configured fordispensing the formulation onto a surface of a substrate.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is configured for dispensing by smearing or brushing theformulation onto the surface.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is characterized by a viscosity that ranges from 15000 to40000 centipoises.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is configured for dispensing by spraying the formulationonto the surface.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is characterized by a viscosity that ranges from 100 to15000 centipoises.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a formulation as described herein in any of therespective embodiments and any combination thereof, for use in repellinga pest from an object.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the pestis an insect.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the pestis a social insect.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the pestis an ant.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the objectis a plant.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the objectis a tree.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the treeis aged at least one month.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, therepelling is effected by applying the formulation on a surface of theobject by brushing or smearing, and wherein an amount of the formulationranges from 0.01 to 1, or from 0.01 to 0.5, or from 0.05 to 0.5, or from0.04 to 0.2, or from 0.1 to 0.25, or from 0.15 to 0.2, grams per squarecm of the surface.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, therepelling is effected by applying the formulation on a surface of theobject by spraying, and wherein an amount of the formulation ranges from0.01 to 1, or from 0.01 to 0.5, or from 0.01 to 0.3, or from 0.04 to0.3, grams per square cm of the surface.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a method of repelling a pest from an object, themethod comprising applying the formulation as described herein in any ofthe respective embodiments and any combination thereof on a surface ofthe object and/or near at least a portion of the object.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the pestis an insect.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the insectis a social insect.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the insectis an ant.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the objectis a plant.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the objectis a tree.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the plantis aged at least one month.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the methodfurther comprises re-applying the formulation after a first time period,the first time period being at least 1 month.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, apolymeric film formed upon applying the formulation is characterized asremaining adhered to the surface for at least one month, when subjectedto environmental conditions.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, applyingthe formulation to the surface is by brushing or smearing.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amountof the applied formulation ranges from 0.01 to 1, or from 0.01 to 0.5,or from 0.05 to 0.5, or from 0.04 to 0.3, or from 0.1 to 0.25, or from0.15 to 0.2, grams per square cm of the surface.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, applyingthe formulation to the surface is by spraying.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amountof the applied formulation ranges from 0.01 to 1, or from 0.01 to 0.5,or from 0.01 to 0.3, or from 0.04 to 0.3, grams per square cm of thesurface.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a formulation comprising a tacky polymeric compositionand a thixotropic agent, for use in repelling a pest from a plant.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is devoid of an organic solvent.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the pestis an insect.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the pestis a social insect.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the pestis an ant.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the plantis a tree.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, therepelling is effected by applying the formulation on a trunk of theplant.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theapplying is by brushing or smearing, and wherein the formulation isconfigured for dispensing by the brushing or smearing.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theapplying is by spraying, and wherein the formulation is configured fordispensing by the spraying.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a method of repelling a pest from a plant, the methodcomprising applying a formulation comprising a tacky polymericcomposition and a thixotropic agent on a trunk of the plant.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is devoid of an organic solvent.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the pestis an insect, for example, a social insect, for example, an ant.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the plantis a tree.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the methodaccording to these embodiments further comprises re-applying theformulation after a first time period, the first time period being atleast 1 month.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, apolymeric film formed upon applying the formulation is characterized asremaining adhered to the surface for at least one month, when subjectedto environmental conditions.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, applyingthe formulation to the trunk of the plant is by brushing or smearing.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, applyingthe formulation to the surface is by spraying.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amountof the applied formulation ranges from 0.01 to 0.2, or from 0.01 to0.15, or from 0.02 to 0.15, or from 0.04 to 0.15 grams, per square cm ofthe trunk.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the tackypolymeric composition comprises or consists of a tacky polymer.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, the tackypolymer is a polyolefin.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, thepolyolefin is a polybutene.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, aconcentration of the thixotropic agent ranges from 1 to 10 percents byweight, of the total weight of the formulation.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms usedherein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplarymethods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, thepatent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are notintended to be necessarily limiting.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of theinvention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually,automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actualinstrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or systemof the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented byhardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof usingan operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according toembodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or acircuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of theinvention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructionsbeing executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In anexemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according toexemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein areperformed by a data processor, such as a computing platform forexecuting a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processorincludes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or anon-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removablemedia, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a networkconnection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input devicesuch as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specificreference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that theparticulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrativediscussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, thedescription taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled inthe art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 presents a schematic illustration showing an exemplary mode ofapplication of a formulation according to some embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 2A-2B present photographs showing an exemplary mode of applicationof a formulation according to some embodiments of the present inventionto the trunk of a lemon tree, using a sponge (FIG. 2A), and the filmobtained thereupon (FIG. 2B).

FIGS. 3A-3C present photographs showing an exemplary experimental set-upusable in determining a tackiness of a formulation as described herein,according to ASTM D6195.

FIGS. 4A-4C present photographs of a lemon tree (FIGS. 4A and 4B), and apersimmon tree (FIG. 4C), having an exemplary formulation according tosome embodiments of the present invention applied thereon.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to insectcontrol and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to formulations forrepelling pests such as insects (e.g., ants), which exhibit improveddurability, and to methods employing same.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, itis to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in itsapplication to the details set forth in the following description orexemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of otherembodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

As discussed hereinabove, current methodologies for controlling pestssuch as insects involve using pesticides, which are environmentallyhazardous, toxic to plants and animals, and are further characterized bydecreasing efficacy due to developments of resistance thereto.Alternative methodologies, which use pest repellents, are typicallycharacterized by insufficient durability to environmental conditions(e.g., precipitations, humidity), require frequent repeated applications(e.g., due to decreased efficiency over time). Most of the currentlyknown pest repellents are also considered environmentally hazardous andphytotoxic.

In a search for improved formulations for controlling pests, the presentinventors have designed and successfully practiced a novel formulationfor repelling pests such as insects, which was found particularly usefulas ant repellent when applied to trees and other agricultural products.The newly designed formulations exhibit high repellent efficacy, and arefurther characterized by exceptional durability even under extremeenvironmental (e.g. temperature and humidity) conditions. Thus, thenewly designed formulations remain stable and adhered to a substrate towhich they are applied for a time period of at least one, two, or threemonths, and even for longer time periods, thus avoiding frequentlyrepeated applications.

The newly designed formulations are preferably devoid of organicsolvents, thus rendering the preparation and use of these formulationsuser-friendly and environmentally non-hazardous, when applied to plants,and allow safe transportation, storage and handling while circumventingthe need to use means required for hazardous products.

The newly designed formulations are therefore non-toxic, environment-and user-friendly and feature exceptional durability and repellenceefficacy.

Some of the newly designed formulations are aqueous formulations andinclude a tacky polymer or a tacky polymeric composition, water and anemulsifying agent. Once applied to a surface of a substrate from whichpests (e.g., insects) should be repelled, these formulations form, uponevaporation of the water, a transparent tacky film which prevents thepests from contacting the substrate. These formulations arecharacterized by viscosity which enables direct application onto thesubstrate's surface, prior to the rapid formation of a film which stablyadheres to the substrate's surface. Although being aqueous, theseformulations are non-washable when exposed to water upon irrigation, orto environmental humidity and/or precipitation, and are also stable whenexposed to sun or any other heat and/or light source.

Without being bound by any particular theory, it is assumed that theemulsifying agent enables formulating the tacky polymeric composition inan aqueous solution, whereby once the water evaporates upon application,the tacky polymeric composition forms an adhesive film, and theemulsifying agent is no longer active and does not promote furtherinteraction with an external water source.

The use of an aqueous dispersion of the tacky polymeric compositionallows incorporating in the formulation a high concentration of thetacky polymeric composition, without adversely affecting its rheologicalproperties, thus providing higher efficacy compared to organicformulations which comprise a substantial concentration of organicsolvents.

Other newly designed formulations comprise a tacky polymeric compositionand a thixotropic agent and are devoid of volatile substances, includingwater.

The newly designed formulations are particularly useful for applicationon tree trunks, yet can be used for repelling pests from other loci,including animate and non-animate objects, as is detailed hereinbelow.

The newly designed formulations are useful in controlling social insectssuch as ants, termites and wasps. The tackiness of the appliedformulation is sensed by the insects upon contacting and/or nearing theformulation and imparts an insecure sensation which deters subsequentattempts.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to novel aqueouspest-repelling formulations and to uses thereof in repelling pests suchas insects from an object which is prone to pest infestation.

Embodiments of the present invention further relate to utilizing anon-aqueous formulation for repelling pests such as insects from plants.

The Aqueous Formulation:

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided pest repelling formulation (e.g., an insect repellingformulation) which comprises a tacky polymeric composition, water and anemulsifying agent.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, water ispresent in the formulation in an amount of at least 20 weight percentsof the total weight of the formulation, and can be, for example, in anamount ranging from 20 to 30 weight percents, including any intermediatevalue and subranges therebetween.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation isdevoid of an organic solvent.

By “devoid of” it is meant that an amount of an organic solvent is nomore than 2%, or no more than 1%, or no more than 0.5%, or no more than0.1%, or no more than 0.5%, or no more than 0.1%, or no more than 0.05%,or no more than 0.01%, by weight, and can be even less or null.

In the context of these embodiments, an organic solvent encompasses oneor more of saturated and unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatichydrocarbons, saturated and unsaturated alicyclic hydrocarbons,saturated and unsaturated halogenated hydrocarbons, aliphatic alcohols,ethers, esters and ketones.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is such that forms a polymeric film once water evaporatestherefrom. The polymeric film comprises the tacky polymeric composition,the emulsifying agent and any other non-volatile component present inthe formulation, other than water.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, a weightratio of the polymeric composition and the emulsifying agent is suchthat is sufficient to promote a formation of, and/or stabilize, adispersion of the polymer in an aqueous solution, yet is insufficient topromote interactions between the polymeric film formed once waterevaporates from the formulation and an external water source, that is,is insufficient to allow dispersion of the polymeric film in water or anaqueous solution, when the polymeric film contacts water or an aqueoussolution.

In some embodiments, a weight ratio of the tacky polymeric compositionand the emulsifying agent is at least 10:3, or at least 10:2 (5:1), suchthat the weight of the emulsifying agent is no more than ⅓ of the weightof the tacky polymeric composition in the formulation. In someembodiments, a weight ratio of the tacky polymeric composition (e.g.,the tacky polymers) and the emulsifying agent is 3:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1,8:1, 9:1, and is preferably 10:1, 11:1, 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1, 16:1,17:1, 18:1, 19:1, 20:1, 50:1 or higher.

Herein throughout, and in the art, the term “tacky” is also referred toas “adhesive” or “sticky”, and describes a property of being cohesiveand sticky. Tacky materials are typically capable of adhering to solidsurfaces, and, while being adhered to surfaces, are capable of furtheradhering objects thereto.

Tackiness, or adhesiveness, of a material or a composition can bedetermined as the work or force necessary to overcome the attractiveforces between the tacky material or composition and a surface to whichit is adhered. There are several assays known in the art to determinetackiness of materials or compositions.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, a tacky polymericcomposition or a tacky polymer is defined as a polymeric compositioncharacterized by a tackiness of at least 400 N/m² or at least 450 N/m²or at least 480 N/m², when determined by a loop tack strength testaccording to ASTM D6195. An exemplary assay is described in the Examplessection that follows.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, a tacky polymericcomposition is defined as a polymeric composition characterized by atackiness that ranges from about 400 N/m² to about 3000 N/m², of fromabout 480 N/m² to about 2400 N/m² including any intermediate values andsubranges therebetween, or, for example, of about 480 N/m², or of about500 N/m², or of about 800 N/m², or of about 1000 N/m² or of about 1500N/m² or of about 2000 N/m², when determined by a loop tack strength testaccording to ASTM D6195.

Herein throughout, the phrase “tacky polymeric composition” encompassesa tacky polymeric material, as defined herein, per se, or a compositioncomprising a polymeric material (including a tacky polymeric material)and one or more additives which may provide the composition with theabove-mentioned tackiness when combined with the selected polymericmaterial.

Such additives include, for example, a plasticizer and/or a tackifyingagent. Non-limiting examples include low molecule weight polyolefin(e.g., polybutene having MW of from 300 to 800, or from 300 to 500,grams/mol), chloro-substituted paraffin, paraffin oil or wax, Naphthenicoil, Aromatic oil, Phthalate-based plasticizers (e.g., 1,2-Cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid d-isononyl ester, Bis(2-propylheptyl)phthalate),Hexamol Dinch, Emulten, petroleum gel, low melting point wood rosin,polyethylene wax, bitumen, polyterpene resin, terpene phenolic resin(for example, a material marketed as DERMULSENE DT by DRT), aliphatic oraromatic hydrocarbon resin, Triethylene glycol ester of gum rosin, suchas, for example, marketed as YT 342 by YSER, and low softening point orliquid resins such as resins available as a dispersion in an acidicaqueous solution or as dispersible solids which feature a softeningpoint of at least 70, such as, for example, those marketed as MEGATACMP81, P 750 (by YSER), and Pine rosins 257.2 (by Pine rosins).

By “softening point” it is meant the temperature at which a bitumeniusmaterial softens. It can be determined, for example, by the Vicat method(ASTM-D1525 or ISO 306), Heat Deflection Test (ASTM-D648) or a ring andball method (ISO 4625 or ASTM E28-67/E28-99 or ASTM D36 or ASTMD6493-11).

The phrase “polymeric material” encompasses homopolymers, copolymers,and a mixture of two or more of homopolymers, two or more copolymers orof one or more homopolymer and one or more copolymer. Exemplarypolymeric materials which are usable in the context of the presentembodiments, as tacky polymeric materials or as part of a tackypolymeric composition, include, but are not limited to, polyolefins,particularly polymers or copolymers of olefins having 3 or 4 carbonatoms, such as polypropylene, polybutenes (polybutylene), andpolyisobutylene (polyisobutene).

Additional, non-limiting, examples of usable (e.g., tacky) polymericmaterials include polyacrylates, butyl rubber, polyisoprene, naturalrubber—solid or latex, SIS—styrene isoprene styrene, SBS—styrenebutadiene styrene, SEBS—styrene ethylene butylene styrene, vinylacrylate, vinyl acetate, and polyurethanes.

The phrase “tacky polymeric material” is also referred to hereininterchangeably as “tacky polymer”.

In some embodiments, the tacky polymeric composition comprises orconsists of a tacky polymeric material, as described herein.

In some embodiments, the tacky polymeric material is a polyolefin asdescribed herein.

Tacky polymeric materials as described herein are typically polymers ofhigh molecular weight, for example, of a molecular weight of at least1,000 Daltons or of at least 1,500 Daltons, or of at least 2,000 Daltons

In exemplary embodiments, the tacky polymeric material is a polybutene,preferably a polybutene having a molecular weight of at least 2,000Daltons, e.g., of about 2,300 Daltons.

In some embodiments, the tacky polymeric composition comprises apolymer, including a tacky polymeric material as described herein, and aplasticizer.

Exemplary polymeric compositions which provide a tackiness as definedherein include, but are not limited to, the following:

-   -   a polybutene having a molecular weight of at least 2,000        Daltons, e.g., of about 2,300 Daltons (also referred to herein        as butyl rubber), and a low molecular weight polybutenes as        defined herein, at a ratio of, for example, 2:1;    -   Isoprene rubber and paraffin oil, at a ratio of, for example,        2:1;    -   Butadiene rubber and Paraffin oil and Wood rosin, at a ratio of,        for example, 2:1:1;    -   Polyacrylate and a liquid resin as described herein and a        phthalate plasticizer (e.g., as described herein), at a ratio        of, for example, 2:1:3;    -   A styrene-isoprene-styrene rubber and paraffin oil and Wood        Rosin, at a ratio of, for example, 2:2:1; and    -   Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) rubber and paraffin oil and Wood        rosin, at a ratio of, for example, 2:2:1.

Other suitable compositions are also contemplated. Those skilled in theart can readily determine compositions that qualify as tacky polymericcompositions as described herein (for example, by using the assay asdescribed herein for determining tackiness).

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of thetacky polymeric material (e.g., a polyolefin such as described herein)or a tacky polymeric compositions (e.g., as described herein) is atleast 40, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 60, weightpercents of the total weight of the formulation.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of thetacky polymeric material or a tacky polymeric composition ranges fromabout 40 to about 79, or from about 50 to about 79, or from about 60 toabout 79, or from about 60 to about 75, or from about 60 to about 70,weight percents of the total weight of the formulation, including anyintermediate value and subranges therebetween.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of theemulsifying agent is such that meets a weight ratio to the tacky polymeras described herein.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of theemulsifying agent ranges from about 0.1 to about 33, or from about 0.1to about 20, Or from about 0.1 to about 16, or from about 1 to about 16,or from about 1 to about 8, or from about 1 to about 5, or from about 2to about 5, weight percents, of the total weight of the formulation,including any intermediate values and subranges therebetween.

As used herein, the phrase “emulsifying agent” is also referred to as“emulsifier” and describes a chemical substance that acts as astabilizer for emulsions, preventing liquids that are immiscible withone another from separating, typically by increasing the kineticstability of the emulsion by e.g., lowering the interfacial tensionbetween the liquids.

Emulsifying agents typically have a lipophilic group and a hydrophilicgroup, and can be categorized as ionic (e.g., cationic, anionic orzwitterionic) or non-ionic agents.

Representative examples of non-ionic agents that are usable in thecontext of the present embodiments include, without limitation,polyethoxylated alkyl phenols, polyethoxylated glyceryl esters, andpolyethoxylated organic ethers derived from fatty acids, including, butnot limited to, polysorbate 60, ethoxylated sorbitan stearate,ethoxylated sorbitan palmitate, ethoxylated sorbitan oleate, fattyalcohol ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene (POE) alkyl ethers, branchedoxoalcohol C11 with 5 mol EO, and any combinations thereof.

Examples of anionic surface active agents include, but are not limitedto, alkyl phosphate, alkyl carboxylate, alkyl sulfate, and alkylsulfonate type surfactants, including, for example, free organic (e.g.,fatty) acids, organic phosphate esters, α-olefinsulfonate and its salts,and alkali salts of sulfosuccinic acid half-esters (e.g., dioctyl esterof sodium sulfosuccinic acid).

Some exemplary anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to,Alginic acid sodium salt, ALKANOL® 189-S, Capstone® FS-66, Glycolic acidethoxylate 4-tert-butylphenyl ether, Glycolic acid ethoxylate laurylether, Glycolic acid ethoxylate lauryl ether, Glycolic acid ethoxylatelauryl ether, Glycolic acid ethoxylate 4-nonylphenyl ether, Glycolicacid ethoxylate oleyl ether, Poly(ethylene glycol) 4-nonylphenyl3-sulfopropyl ether potassium salt, Zonyl® FSA fluorosurfactant 25 wt. %Li carboxylate salt in water: isopropyl alcohol (1:1), and Zonyl® URfluorosurfactant.

Examples of cationic surface active agents include, but are not limitedto, long-chained quaternized ammonium compounds, for example, behenyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, benzyl tetradecyl-dimethyl-ammoniumchloride, cetyl pridinium chloride, cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride,dimethyl dihydrogenated-tallow ammonium chloride, dimethyl stearylammonium chloride, dimethyl-stearyl benzyl ammonium chloride, lauryldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, lauryl-trimethyl-ammonium chloride,stearyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, trimethylacetyl-ammonium bromide,and tris-(oligooxy-ethyl)alkylammonium phosphate.

Examples of zwitterionic surface active agents include betaines (such asfatty acid-amidoalkylbetaine and sulfobetaine) and long-chainedalkylamino acids (such as cocoaminoacetate, cocoamino-propionate, sodiumcocoamphopropionate and sodium cocoamphoacetate).

Table 1 below lists exemplary surface active agents that are usable inthe context of the present embodiments, and an exemplary vendor thereof.

TABLE 1 Material Vendor Polysorbate Sigma aldrich Tween ® Sigma aldrichDilaureth-7 citrate Sigma aldrich Glyceryl Oleate Citrate Sigma aldrichMonoglycerides Sigma aldrich Monoglycerides Sigma aldrich AcetylatedMonoglycerides Sigma aldrich Lactylated Monoglycerides Sigma aldrichCitrated Monoglycerides Sigma aldrich Succinylated Monoglycerides Sigmaaldrich Oleic acid Sigma aldrich Polyglycerol polyricinoleateRadiamuls ® Poly 2253K (Oleon) PS750-C Sisterna ® L70-C Sisterna ®SP30-C Sisterna ® Glycomul Lunza Lecithin Sigma aldrich Dimodan ®Distilled Monoglycerides PANODAN ® DATEM (DIACETYL Gillco TARTARIC ACIDESTERS) GRINDSTED ™ ACETEM (ACETIC ACID Gillco ESTERS OF MONOGLYCERIDES)GRINDSTED ™ CITREM (CITRIC ACID Gillco ESTERS OF MONOGLYCERIDES)GRINDSTED ™ LACTEM (LACTIC ACID Gillco ESTERS OF MONOGLYCERIDES)GRINDSTED ™ MONO-DI (MONO AND Gillco DIGLYCERIDES) GRINDSTED ™ PGE ORPGPR Gillco (POLYGLYCEROL ESTERS OF FATTY ACIDS, POLYGLYCEROLPOLYRICINOLEATE) GRINDSTED ™ STS OR SMS Gillco (SORBITAN TRISTEARATE,SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE) GRINDSTED ™ STS OR Gillco SMS (SORBITANTRISTEARATE, SORBITAN MONOSTEARATE)

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the emulsifyingagent is a non-ionic agent.

Non-ionic emulsifying agents can further be categorized as hydrophobicor hydrophilic and are typically characterized by ahydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) value, which is determined bycalculating values for the different regions of the molecule.

In some embodiments, emulsifying agents usable in the context of thepresent embodiments are selected in accordance with their HLB value asdetermined by the Davies' method [Davies JT (1957), Proceedings of theInternational Congress of Surface Activity, pp. 426-38].

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the emulsifyingagent is such that exhibits an HLB value that is lower from the HLBvalue recommended (e.g., in the art) for a stable emulsion of the tackypolymeric composition in an aqueous solution (e.g., water) at theselected concentration.

In some embodiments, the HLB of the emulsifying agent is lower by 5-50%,or by 10-50%, including any intermediate from the HLB value recommendedfor providing a stable emulsion of a selected tacky polymericcomposition, as described herein.

In some embodiments, the HLB value of the emulsifying agent is lower by5%, or by 8%, or by 10%, or by 12%, or by 15%, or by 20%, or by 22%, orby 25%, or by 28%, k or by 30%, or by 32%, or by 35%, or by 38%, or by40%, and even lower, e.g., by 50%, from the HLB value recommended forproviding a stable emulsion of a selected tacky polymeric composition,as described herein.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the emulsifyingagent is selected as a non-phytotoxic surface active agent.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the emulsifyingagent is actually an emulsifying system which comprises two or moreemulsifying agents.

In some of these embodiments, the emulsifying system is selected asfeaturing an HLB as described herein in any of the respectiveembodiments, e.g., an HLB value that is lower than the recommended valuefor a selected tacky polymeric composition.

Any two or more of the emulsifying agents described herein can becombined for forming the emulsifying system. In some embodiments, theemulsifying system comprises two or more of the agents presented inTable 1.

In some embodiments, the emulsifying agent or system comprises a fattyacid.

Exemplary fatty acids usable in the context of present embodimentsinclude, but are not limited to, saturated and unsaturated fatty acidssuch as linoleic acid, γ-linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, elaidic acid,erucic acid, and nervonic acid. Unsaturated fatty acids include fattyacids with one or more double bonds, and each bond can feature a cis ortrans configuration.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of thefatty acid ranges from 0.05 to 5, or from 0.5 to 5, or from 0.5 to 3, orfrom 1 to 5, or from 1 to 3, of the total weight of the formulation,including any intermediate value and subranges therebetween.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein the emulsifying agentis an emulsifying system that comprises a non-ionic agent such as, forexample, one or more of polyethoxylated alkyl phenols, polyethoxylatedglyceryl esters, and polyethoxylated organic ethers derived from fattyacids, including, but not limited to, polysorbate 60, ethoxylatedsorbitan stearate, ethoxylated sorbitan palmitate, ethoxylated sorbitanoleate, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, polyoxyethylene (POE) alkyl ethers,branched oxoalcohol C11 with 5 mol EO, and one or more fatty acids.

In some of these embodiments, an amount of the fatty acid ranges from0.05 to 5, or from 0.5 to 5, or from 0.5 to 3, or from 1 to 3, or from 1to 2, of the total weight of the formulation, including any intermediatevalue and subranges therebetween, and the amount of the other one ormore emulsifying agents is determined in accordance with the weightratio of the emulsifying system and the tacky polymeric composition, asdescribed herein, and/or in accordance with the HLB value (being lowerthan recommended) as described herein.

In exemplary embodiments, the tacky polymeric composition consists of orcomprises a high MW polyolefin, as described herein, and in someembodiments, it is a high MW polybutene. For obtaining stable aqueousemulsions of such tacky polymers, it is typically recommended to use anemulsifying agent or system that exhibits an HLB value higher than 15(e.g., 17).

In exemplary embodiments, the formulation of the present embodimentscomprises an emulsifying agent or system exhibiting HLB value which islower than 15, and which is, for example, 14, 13 or 12.

In exemplary embodiments, such an emulsifying agent or system is orcomprises a polyoxyethylene (POE) alkyl ether, preferably a nonyl phenolethoxylate such as NP-6 (Nonylphenol ethoxylate, 6 ethyleneoxide units).In exemplary embodiments, the emulsifying agent or system furthercomprises a fatty acid, for example, oleic acid.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation comprises water, polybutene, and a nonyl phenol ethoxylate.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation comprises water, polybutene, a nonyl phenol ethoxylate and afatty acid (e.g., oleic acid).

According to some of these embodiments, the polybutene has a molecularweight of about 2300 Daltons.

According to some of these exemplary embodiments, an amount of thepolybutene is 50-70 (e.g., about 67) weight percents, an amount of thenonyl phenol ethoxylate is about 3.9-4 weight percents, and the balancebeing water and optionally organic fatty acid, a pH adjusting agentand/or any of the other additional substances as described herein. Sucha formulation is suitable for application via brushing or smearing, asdiscussed in further detail hereinafter.

According to some of these exemplary embodiments, an amount of thepolybutene is 50-70 (e.g., about 55) weight percents, an amount of thenonyl phenol ethoxylate is 6-15 (e.g., about 13) weight percents, andthe balance being water and optionally organic fatty acid, a pHadjusting agent and/or any of the other additional substances asdescribed herein. Such a formulation is suitable for application viaspraying, as discussed in further detail hereinafter.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the formulationfurther comprises a pH adjusting agent, preferably an alkaline substance(also referred to herein as an alkalizing agent), for adjusting the pHof the formulation to from about 6 to about 9, or from about 6.5 toabout 8.5.

Suitable alkalizing agents include, for example, sodium carbonate,calcium carbonate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, ammonia(e.g., ammonium hydroxide), ammonium carbonate, diethanolamine,monoethanolamine, triethanolamine, potassium hydroxide, magnesiumhydroxide, sodium hydroxide, sodium borate, sodium phosphate dibasic andtrolamine. Food acids and bases such as allantoin, bisabolol,Pyroglutamic acids and salts thereof are also suitable.

In some embodiments, the alkalizing agent is a volatile substance, asdefined herein. Exemplary such agents include, as non-limiting examples,ammonia, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoethanolamine, trolamineand bisabolo.

The amount of the alkalizing agent is selected so as to achieve thedesired pH, preferably without damaging emulsion stability, and can bedetermined by any person skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the alkalizing agent is introduced to theformulation as an alkaline aqueous solution.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation further comprises one or more additional substances whichmay provide the formulation with additional properties as desired.

Such additional substances (ingredients, components) may include, forexample, a thickening agent, a preservative (e.g., for in-can and dryfilm protection), a stabilizer (e.g., a dispersion stabilizer or asuspending agent), a plasticizer (e.g., as defined herein), ananti-foaming agent, an anti-oxidant, a UV stabilizer, a coalescenceagent, an anti-sagging agent, and surface active agents (other than theemulsifying agent or system as described herein).

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the formulationcomprises a thickening agent, for providing the formulation with aviscosity that is suitable for its intended use and mode of application.Any of the commonly known thickening agents is contemplated.Representative examples include, but are not limited to, Guar gum,Xantan gum (E415), a hydroxyethyl Cellulose (for example, those marketedas Cellosize™ PCG-10; Cellosize™ QP 30000H; and Cellosize™ QP 100MH), adydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (for example, those marketed as Methocel™40-0101; Methocel™ 856N; and Methocel™ K100M PRM), an ethylcellulose(for example, those marketed as ETHOCEL™ Std 45 Premium; and ETHOCEL™Std 100 Premium), a cellulose gum (for example, those marketed asWalocel™ CRT 50000; and Walocel™ CRT 40000), a polyacrylate (forexample, those marketed as ACRYSOL™ ASE-1000; ACRYSOL™ RM-5000; ACRYSOL™SCT-275; and ACRYSOL™ RM-2020-E).

Other non-limiting examples include polysaccharides derived from brownalgae such as alginic acid (E400), sodium alginate (E401), potassiumalginate (E402), ammonium alginate (E403), calcium alginate (E404),polysaccharide derived from red seaweeds such as agar and agarose(E406), carrageenan (E407), natural gums from land plants such asarabinoxylan, cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, curdlan, gellan gum(E418), gum arabic, starch, and locust bean gum (E410) which is apolysaccharides extracted from the carob tree seeds, pectin (E440) apolysaccharides extracted from apple or citrus fruits, and proteinoussubstances such as gelatin (E441) which is produced by partialhydrolysis of animal-derived collagen, and any combinations thereof andwith other synthetic or mineral based substances suitable for use infood products.

In some embodiments, the formulation further comprises a thixotropicagent.

As used herein, a “thixotropic agent” refers to an agent which increasesa viscosity of a liquid when added to a liquid. As known in the art“thixotropy” is a reversible behavior of viscous liquids (e.g., gels)that liquefy (e.g., exhibit reduced viscosity) when subjected to shearstress such as shaking or stirring, or otherwise disturbed.

A viscous liquid containing a thixotropic agent exhibits thixotropy,wherein the viscosity is reduced under stress (e.g., stirring, heatingand/or application of shear forces). When a thixotropic agent is addedto a formulation as described herein, the ingredients in a formulationcan be readily mixed by stirring, as the viscosity is reduced duringstirring, yet the viscosity of the formulation increases when stirringceases, and as a result the formulation is relatively resistant toseparation of components. Furthermore, the formulation can be appliedunder shear forces, which decrease the viscosity of the formulation andfacilitate its application, yet, upon application, the viscosity of theformulation is reversed to provide a desired viscosity.

Examples of thixotropic agents suitable for use in the context of thepresent embodiments include, but are not limited to, amorphous silicasuch as fumed silica (available, for example as Aerosil® and Cab-O-Sil®products), kieselguhr, gums (e.g., xanthan gum, guar gum, locust beangum, alginates), cellulose derivatives, starches, polymers (e.g.,polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylates, hydrophobically-modifiedpolyacrylates), emulsifiers, and clay derivatives (e.g., amine treatedmagnesium aluminum silicate, bentonite colloidal silicic acid, whitesmectite clays and bleaching earth, attapulgite, mica, syntheticmagnesium phyllosilicates (Laponite), layered silicates, modifiedsmectites, hectorite, and sepiolite.

In exemplary embodiments, the thixotropic agent is a silica-containingthixotropic agent and in some embodiments it comprises highly amorphoussilica, such as fumed silica.

An amount of the thixotropic agent, if present, ranges from 0.01 to 2,or from about 0.01 to about 1, or from about 0.05 to about 0.5, or fromabout 0.05 to about 2, or is about 0.1 weight percents of the totalweight of the formulation, including any intermediate value.

Examples of de-foaming and/or antifoaming agents that are suitable foruse in the context of the present invention, include, but are notlimited to, oil emulsions, such as, for example, those marketed asAirase® 4500 (Air products), Airase® 4750V (Air products), Airase® 4800(Air products), and Surfynol® DF-220 (Air products); polymeric defoamerssuch as, for example, those marketed as BYK®-011, BYK®-012, andBYK®-354, and silicone-based defoamers (e.g., polysiloxanes) such as,for example, those marketed as BYK® 024, BYK® 019, BYK®-021 and AF-52™

Examples of preserving agents (preservatives) that are suitable for usein the context of the present invention, include, but are not limitedto, formaldehyde and alkyl hydroxy benzoates; preferably the preservingagent is a mixture of methyl and propyl hydroxy benzoates. Exemplarypreservatives are those marketed as Mergal® K14 (Troy; comprisingisothiazolinone) and Acticide® MBS (Thor).

Examples of dispersing agents or dispersants include, but are notlimited to, alcohol ethoxylates such as, for example, marketed asTergitol® 15-S-20 (Dow), and alkyl sulfonates such as, for example,marketed as DeSulf DBS-60T (Deforest Enterprises; triethanolaminedodecylbenzene sulfonate).

Suitable coalescence agents include those that are amphiphilic and canbe dissolved both in an aqueous solution and in a polymer as describedherein. Examples include, without limitation, N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone andthe commercial product marketed as Dowanol™ DM(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol; Dow).

Examples of UV stabilizers and anti-oxidants include, but are notlimited to, benzotriazole-based UV absorbers such as marketed asTinuvin® DW 99, triazine-based UV absorber, such as marketed as Tinuvin®DW 400 (2-hydroxy-phenyl-s-triazine), and those marketed as Tinuvin®1130, Mayzo BLS® 99-2, Eversorb® ST14036, Eversorb® AQ6, NanoBYK® 3820,NanoBYK® 3840, NanoBYK® 3860, Tinuvin® DW 123, Mayzo BLS® 292, MayzoBLS® 123, and Eversorb® AQ5.

Exemplary surface active agents usable in the context of the presentembodiments include, for example, leveling agents and wetting agents,including, but are not limited to, silicon based materials such as, butnot limited to, those marketed as BYK®-333, BYK®-348, BYK®-349 andBYK®-410, and silicon-free materials such as, but not limited to, thosemarketed as Deuteron® OG 863, Deuteron® OG 8670, BYK®-3410 andBYK®-DYNWET 800N.

Exemplary anti-sagging agents include, but are not limited to, aurea-modified polyurethane such as marketed as BYK®-425, and sepiolite,such as marketed as Pangel® AD. In some of any of the embodimentsdescribed herein, the formulation is in a form of an aqueous suspensionor dispersion, in which particles of the polymers are dispersed orsuspended in the aqueous medium, whereby the surface active agent andoptionally a stabilizer and a thixotropic agent, provide for thestability of the dispersion or suspension.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation isdevoid of (as defined herein) a pesticide such as, for example, aninsecticide. In some of any of the embodiments described herein, theformulation is devoid of a substance that is toxic to the target pest(e.g., the target insect), as defined herein.

An exemplary formulation is described in the Examples section thatfollows.

Non-Aqueous Formulations:

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a formulation comprising a tacky polymer, as describedherein in any of the respective embodiments and any combination thereof,and a thixotropic agent, as described herein in any of the respectiveembodiments and any combination thereof.

According to some embodiments of this aspect the present invention, theconcentration of the thixotropic agent ranges from about 1 to about 10,or from about 1 to about, or from about 2 to about 6, or from about 3 toabout 5, or from about 3.5 to about 4, or is about 3.85, percents byweight, of the total weight of the formulation.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein for thisaspect of the present invention, the formulation is devoid of an organicsolvent, as defined herein.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein for thisaspect of the present invention, the formulation is devoid of (asdescribed herein) water.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein for thisaspect of the present invention, the formulation is devoid of (asdefined herein) a volatile substance.

Herein, the phrase “volatile substance” describes a material featuring aboiling temperature above 150° C.

According to some of any of the embodiments described herein for thisaspect of the present invention, the formulation further comprises oneor more additional agents as described herein in any of the respectiveembodiments. Exemplary such agents include, for example, a thickeningagent, a preservative, an anti-foaming agent, an anti-oxidant, a UVstabilizer, a coalescence agent, and an anti-sagging agent, as these aredescribed herein.

According to the present embodiments, a formulation as described hereinas a “non-aqueous formulation” is for use in repelling a pest from aplant.

Properties and Configurations:

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation ischaracterized by tackiness of at least 400 N/m², for example, in a rangeof from about 480 N/m² to about 2400 N/m², when tackiness is determinedas described herein.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, a formulationaccording to any of the respective embodiments is characterized ashighly durable.

By “durable” it is meant that the formulation maintains at least oneactivity feature for a prolonged time period, when exposed toenvironmental conditions.

According to the present embodiments, a prolonged time period is atleast one month, and is preferably 2, 3, and even more months.

By “environmental conditions” it is meant temperature, light, humidity,precipitation, irrigation, and any other environmental condition theformulation (or an object to which it is applied) is exposed to. Suchconditions depend on the geographical area and season at which theformulation is utilized, and this term encompasses all such conditions,including a temperature within a range of from −10° C. to 50° C.;humidity within a range of from 0 to 90%, any precipitation or from ofirrigation, and sunlight at any wavelength, including UV.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation isUV-durable, such that it maintains at least one activity feature for aprolonged time period, as defined herein, when exposed to UV radiationsuch as sunlight.

By “activity feature” it is meant a feature that provides theformulation with its utility. An activity feature of the formulations ofthe present embodiments encompasses tackiness, as defined herein. Anactivity feature according to the present embodiments furtherencompasses pest repellence (e.g., insect repellence) from an object(e.g., plant) as described herein.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, a formulation of thepresent embodiments is non-phytotoxic.

Herein throughout, the term “non-phytotoxic”, when recited for asubstance or a formulation, refers to a substance or a formulationwhich, upon contacting a plant for a time period that is required for acertain application (e.g., as a pesticide or pest repellent), noobservation of a harmful effect to the plant (e.g., a visual defect inthe plant's trunk, leaves and/or fruits) is observed. In the context ofembodiments of the present invention that relate to application of asubstance or formulation to plants such as trees, this term encompasses,for example, no appearance of visual defects in the application site orits vicinity (e.g., throughout a tree trunk), during the time period inwhich the formulation or substance is applied. In some of any of theembodiments described herein, the formulation is packaged in a containerconfigured for dispensing the formulation onto an object.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein there is provided akit which comprises a formulation as described herein packaged in acontainer, and which can further comprise means for dispensing theformulation onto an object and/or instructions how to apply theformulation onto an object.

In some of any of these embodiments, the container can be a disposablecontainer, or a non-disposable, possibly re-fillable, container.

In some embodiments, the means for dispensing the composition areconfigured for applying shear forces on the formulation, such that, whenthe formulation comprises a thixotropic agent, such means result isreduced viscosity of the formulation and facilitate its application.

In some embodiments, the formulation is intended for being applied bybrushing or smearing the formulation on a surface of an object, and thecontainer or kit comprises means for dispensing the application bybrushing or smearing, for example, by using a brush, a sponge, or adedicated nozzle that allows dispending the formulation from thecontainer and smearing it on an object. In some of these embodiments,the container is a squeezable container.

In some embodiments, the kit further comprises means for applying theformulation to an object by brushing or smearing, such as a brush, asponge, a wipe, or any other article for smearing the formulation.

In some embodiments, the kit comprises instructions to apply theformulation by brushing or smearing.

In some embodiments, the kit comprises instructions to shake thecontainer or otherwise apply shear forces on the formulation,immediately before dispensing it from the container and/or immediatelybefore applying it to an object, so as to reduce its viscosity (e.g., incase the formulation comprises a thixotropic agent, as describedherein).

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation isconfigured for dispensing by spraying, and can also be referred to as asprayable formulation.

In some of these embodiments, the container is a pressurized container,configured for dispensing the formulation by pumping in air or otherpropellant at superatmospheric pressure, or by using airless sprayingequipment. Any known type of spraying equipment may be used.

Particularly useful are containers configured for dispensing theformulation is a form of an aerosol.

In some of these embodiments, the spraying is a low-pressure spraying,which is effected at a pressure that ranges from about 1.5 PSI to about9 PSI.

In some of these embodiments, the spraying is a high-pressure spraying,which is effected at a pressure that ranges from about 40 PSI to about200 PSI.

An exemplary such configuration is presented in FIG. 1 , showing apressurized tank (container) or pump, containing a formulation asdescribed herein, having a sprayer connected thereto and configured fordispensing the formulation is a form of a spray onto an area to betreated (exemplified in FIG. 1 as a tree trunk).

In some embodiments, the formulation is an aerosol formulation, whichfurther comprises a propellant. In some of these embodiments, thepropellant is a non-organic propellant such as, for example, carbondioxide, nitrous oxide, argon, nitrogen, oxygen and mixtures thereof,such as for example, air. In some of these embodiments, the propellantis a water-soluble propellant, such as, but not limited to, dimethylether.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the formulation isconfigured for dispensing by brushing or smearing. An exemplary such aconfiguration is presented in FIG. 2 , showing application of theformulation by smearing, using a sponge.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, when aformulation is configured for dispensing via a certain application mode,the formulation is designed such that it suits the intendedconfiguration (the intended application mode).

In some embodiments, a suitability of a formulation to an intendedapplication mode is by exhibiting a rheology profile and/or viscositythat is desirable for providing a formulation that can be applied to anobject without dripping, so as to assure that the resulting polymericfilm is formed where desired.

For example, when a formulation is an aqueous formulation as describedherein in any of the respective embodiments, and is configured fordispensing by smearing or brushing (as exemplified, in a non-limitingway, in FIG. 2 ), the formulation is designed, in terms of, for example,the concentration and/or type of its ingredients, such that it exhibitsa rheology profile and/or viscosity that is suitable for efficientapplication to a desired site (e.g., application to a tree trunk whileapplying respective shearing forces and without dripping).

When a formulation is an aqueous formulation as described herein in anyof the respective embodiments, and is configured for dispensing byspraying (as exemplified, in a non-limiting way, in FIG. 1 ), theformulation is designed, in terms of, for example, the concentrationand/or type of its ingredients, such that it exhibits a rheology profileand/or viscosity that is suitable for efficient application to a desiredsite (e.g., application to a tree trunk while applying respectiveshearing forces without dripping).

For example, when a formulation is a non-aqueous formulation asdescribed herein in any of the respective embodiments, and is configuredfor dispensing by smearing or brushing, the formulation is designed, interms of, for example, the concentration and/or type of its ingredients,such that it exhibits, upon application of shearing forces by thebrushing or smearing, a viscosity that is suitable for efficientapplication to a desired site (e.g., application to a tree trunk withoutdripping).

When a formulation is a non-aqueous formulation as described herein inany of the respective embodiments, and is configured for dispensing byspraying, the formulation is designed, in terms of, for example, theconcentration and/or type of its ingredients, such that it exhibits,upon application of shearing forces during aerosol formation, aviscosity that is suitable for efficient application to a desired site(e.g., application to a tree trunk without dripping).

It is to be noted that the non-aqueous formulations of the presentembodiments comprise a thixotropic agent and hence the viscosity of suchformulations changes upon application of shear forces. Such formulationsare therefore preferably designed to exhibit a viscosity that issuitable to the application mode upon application of shear forces (andnot upon preparation).

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an aqueousformulation as described herein in any one of the present embodimentsand any combination thereof, when configured for application viabrushing or smearing, is characterized by a viscosity that ranges fromabout 15000 to about 40000, or from about 20000 to about 40000centipoises.

In some of these embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 50-70,preferably 60-70, weight percents of a tacky polymeric composition, asdescribed herein, 3-7 weight percents of an emulsifying agent or system,with the balance being water and optionally a pH adjusting agent and/orany of the other additional substances as described herein.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an aqueousformulation as described herein in any one of the present embodimentsand any combination thereof, when configured for application viaspraying at low pressure (e.g., as defined hereinabove), ischaracterized by a viscosity that ranges from about 100 to about 3000,or from about 500 to about 3000 centipoises.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an aqueousformulation as described herein in any one of the present embodimentsand any combination thereof, when configured for application viaspraying at high pressure (e.g., as defined hereinabove), ischaracterized by a viscosity that ranges from about 3000 to about 15000centipoises.

In some of these embodiments, the aqueous formulation comprises 50-70,preferably 40-50 weight percents of a tacky polymeric composition forlow pressure application and 50-75 weight percent of a tacky polymericcomposition for high pressure application, as described herein, 6-15weight percents of an emulsifying agent or system, with the balancebeing water and optionally a pH adjusting agent and/or any of the otheradditional substances as described herein

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, a non-aqueousformulation as described herein in any one of the present embodimentsand any combination thereof, when configured for application viabrushing or smearing, is characterized by a viscosity that ranges fromabout 2000 to about 40000 centipoises. In some embodiments, theformulation is characterized by a viscosity that ranges from about 2000to about 10000 centipoises (that is, a relatively low viscosity). Insome embodiments, the formulation is characterized by a viscosity thatranges from about 15000 to about 40000 centipoises (that is, arelatively high viscosity).

Without being bound by any particular theory, it is assumed that anon-aqueous formulation as described herein can be applied by brushingor smearing while exhibiting a wide range of viscosities, due to itsthixotropic nature.

In some of these embodiments, the non-aqueous formulation comprises from80 to 95 weight percents of a tacky polymeric material, as describedherein, from 5 to 10 weight percents of a thixotropic agent, asdescribed herein, and from 5 to 10 weight percents of a tackifying agentand/or plasticizer, as described herein.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, a non-aqueousformulation as described herein in any one of the present embodimentsand any combination thereof, when configured for application viaspraying (preferably at high pressure, e.g., as defined herein), ischaracterized by a viscosity that ranges from about 2000 to about 10000centipoises.

In some of these embodiments, the non-aqueous formulation comprises from80 to 95 weight percents of a tacky polymeric material, as describedherein, from 5 to 10 weight percents of a thixotropic agent, asdescribed herein, and from 5 to 10 weight percents of a tackifying agentand/or plasticizer, as described herein.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein for a non-aqueousformulation, the tacky polymeric composition comprises a tacky polymericmaterial and a tackifying agent and/or plasticizer, and the composition(e.g., the type of the tacky polymeric material and/or the type of thetackifying agent and/or plasticizer) is selected to provide theindicated viscosity as delineated herein for an indicated applicationmode. For example, when the formulation is configured for application byhigh-pressure spraying, a tacky polymeric material which features arelatively low viscosity is selected.

In some embodiments, a viscosity of a formulation is determined by aBrookfield viscometer, spindle LV1,2,3,4, operated at 3,6,12,20,30,60rpm, at room temperature (e.g., 23° C.), and according to ASTM D2556-93A.

In some embodiments, a viscosity of a formulation is determined by aBrookfield viscometer, spindle LV4, operated at 20 rpm, at 23° C., andaccording to ASTM D 2556-93A.

Pest Repelling:

The formulation as described herein in any of the respective embodimentsis usable as a pest repellent, or is for use in repelling insect pestfrom an object.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present inventionthere is provided a method of repelling insect pest from an object, themethod comprising applying a formulation as described herein in any ofthe respective embodiments and any combination thereof on or near atleast a portion of the object.

Herein throughout, the terms “repellent”, “repelling”, “repellency”, andany other grammatical diversion of “repel” are used to describe afunction due to which a pest spends less time (including no time) in oron a target object than in or on a non-target object. Thus, to repel atarget pest means deterring the pest from remaining in a target object.“Repel” may also include killing the target pest. “Repel” may also beused to refer to slowing the behavior and/or responsiveness of a targetpest so that the presence of the target pest is less of a nuisance tothe target pest. “Repel” also includes minimizing the presence of thetarget pest on or in a target object, including entry of the target pestinto building structures or climbing/landing of the target pest on thetarget object. “Repel” also encompasses slowing the movement of a targetpest on or near a target object by “trapping” a pest, and preventingother pests from nearing the target object.

In some embodiments, repelling insect pest from an object comprisesdeterring the pest from contacting and/or remaining in or on a targetobject.

In some embodiments, repelling a pest from an object comprisespreventing or reducing infestation of the object by the pest.

In some embodiments, the repelling effect of the formulation of thepresent embodiments is due to its tackiness.

Applying the formulation can be effected by contacting the formulationwith at least a portion of the object (e.g., a surface of the object ora portion thereof) or with an area near the object (e.g., surroundingthe object). The contacting can be effect by brushing, smearing,spraying, as described herein, or by any other suitable applicationforms known in the art.

The area on which the formulation is applied is also referred to hereinas the target area, whereby “object” refers to an object which is proneto infestation by the pest.

As used herein, the term “pest” describes any animal species which isharmful to humans and/or animals, including species which cause economicdamage (e.g., to agricultural substrates such as plants, crops, storedfood or other products), species which cause damage to structuralobjects (e.g., to buildings, houses, vehicles and the like), specieswhich cause harm to health (e.g., by transmitting disease or causingallergies), pain, itching or other physical discomfort (e.g., bystinging or biting), and/or psychological discomfort (e.g., fear and/ordisgust). In some embodiments, the pest is an invertebrate, for example,an arthropod, mollusk (e.g., snail, slug) or worm (e.g., a nematode). Insome embodiments, the pest is an arthropod.

Herein and in the art, the term “arthropod” refers to invertebratescharacterized by an external skeleton, a segmented body and jointedappendages, and includes insects, arachnids (e.g., spiders, scorpions,harvestmen, ticks, mites, solifuges), myriapods (e.g., millipedes,centipedes), and crustaceans (e.g., woodlice, crabs, lobsters, crayfish,shrimp, krill, barnacles).

Examples of arthropod pests according to some embodiments of theinvention include, without limitation, fleas, ants, cockroaches, beetles(e.g., weevils, flour beetles, wireworms, Oryzaephilus spp., Rhizoperthadominica), aphids, phylloxera, whiteflies, scale insects (e.g.,mealybugs), thrips, earwigs, silverfish, flies (e.g., black flies, fruitflies), lice, midges, mosquitoes, gnats (e.g., fungus gnats),lepidopterans (e.g., moths, butterflies), bedbugs, cicadas, crickets,grasshoppers, leafhoppers, termites, wasps (e.g., hornets, yellowjackets), bees, centipedes, millipedes, spiders, ticks, mites, chiggers,scorpions, woodlice (e.g., pillbugs, sowbugs) and the like, includinglarval forms thereof (e.g., maggots, grubs, caterpillars). Exemplarypests include lice (e.g., infesting an animate subject) and cockroaches,flies, spiders, and ants (e.g., infesting an inanimate object).

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the pest is aninsect.

As used herein, the term “insect” refers to the insect which is to berepelled from an object, unless otherwise indicated, and such an insectis also referred to herein as a “target insect”.

The term “insect” describes a class of invertebrate arthropods that havea chitinous exoskeleton, a three-part body (head, thorax and abdomen),three pairs of jointed legs, compound eyes and one pair of antennae, andencompass, for example, ants, termites, swaps, mosquitoes, fliesbeetles, gnats, ticks, beer bugs, fleas, lice, bed bugs, earwigs,cockroaches, aphids, spruce bud worm, corn borers, sandfleas, tsetseflies, mites, assassin bugs and the like.

In some embodiments, the insect is a social (eusocial) insect, whichleaves in an organized colony. Social insects are known for beingcapable to communicate with one another, typically via pheromones orother chemical substances, but also via sounds or light.

In some embodiments, a repellent effect of a formulation as describedherein is based on communicating an insecure sensation upon contactingthe formulation, which deters subsequent attempts of contacting theobject to which the formulation is applied.

In some embodiments, the target insect is a social insect such as ants,wasps and termites.

The terms “ant” and “wasp” describe ant and wasp members of the orderHymenoptera.

Representative examples include, without limitation, the speciesIridomyrmex humilis, Solenopsis xyloni, Formica spp. (ants), Vespavulgaris (wasps) and the like.

The term “termite” describes the termite members of the order Isoptera.Representative examples include, without limitation, the speciesReticulitermes hesperus, Zootermopsis augusticollis, Kalotermes minor,and the like.

As used herein, target areas include, but are not limited to, areas onhumans, animals, birds, plants, crops, trees, soils, fields,greenhouses, barns granaries, homes, decks, pools, commercial buildings,clothing, tents, shoes, boots, blankets, sleeping bags, backpacks, tablecloths, picnic tables, roofs, airplane hangars, antennas, parabolicantennas and reflectors, solar heaters, ventilation ducts, airconditioners, roofing beams, window ledges, sheds and other buildings,and exposed electrical installations such as power lines andtransformers at airports and in warehouses, and anywhere else, and thelike. Animals include but are not limited to domestic animals, farmanimals, wild animals, pets, and zoo animals.

In general, a target area, to which the formulation is applied, includesanimate and/or non-animate objects or a portion thereof, preferably asurface or a portion of the surface of the object, and/or the object'ssurrounding or a portion thereof.

The object is an object that is prone to pest (e.g., insect)infestation, that is, to be contacted by the pest in an adverse manner,and which repelling the pest therefrom is desirable.

The object is variable, and is determined by the site where repellencyof a pest is desired or required.

In exemplary embodiments, the pest (e.g., insect) is an ant, a wasp or atermite, and the object is a home, or of a warehouse, or of a storagecontainer (e.g., food storage container). In these embodiments, theformulation can be applied in a surrounding of the object, preferablynear an entrance or an opening of the object, so as to repel the insectfrom the object and avoid its entrance thereto.

In exemplary embodiments, the object is a yard, a garden, anagricultural field, and the like, and the formulation can be appliedaround the object.

In exemplary embodiments, the object is a plant, and in some embodimentsit is an agricultural crop. In these embodiments, the formulation can beapplied to a portion of the plant or a soil surrounding the plant.

Herein, the term “plant” includes any or all of the physical parts of aplant, including trunk, seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers,stems, stalks, foliage, and fruits.

In some embodiments, the plant is a tree. In some embodiments, the treeis aged at least month.

The control of pests such as insects is important in achieving high cropefficiency. Damage by pests growing and stored agronomic crops can causesignificant reduction in productivity and thereby result in increasedcosts to the consumer. The control of pests in forestry, greenhousecrops, ornamentals, nursery crops, stored food and fiber products,livestock, household, turf, wood products, and public and animal healthis also important.

For example, it is well known that ants are a serious pest of a numberof agricultural crops. The deleterious action of the ants can be direct(i.e., leaf cutting ants) or indirect. The indirect deleterious actionof ants occurs, for example, in that certain species tend homopteroushoney-dew-producing insects such as aphids, soft scales, and mealybugs.Through their transporting of these homopterous insects to new growth onthe plants, and through their role in warding off potential parasitesand predators, ants may create situations where the tended insectsassume serious pest status, whereas, in the absence of ants, the insectswould often be regulated through the action of beneficial predatory andparasitic species. Exemplary agricultural crop where ants are a seriouspest are citrus trees where the ants move from the ground up to the treeto the leaves where they tend homopterous honey-dew-producing insects.Thus, in this situation, the object from which acts should be repelledis the tree itself.

In some embodiments, an object is or comprises wood.

In some embodiments, the formulation is applied to a target area asdefined herein such that a film is formed at the application site.

In some embodiments, a thickness of a dry film formed upon applicationof a formulation as described herein ranges from 5 microns to 10 mm,including any intermediate subranges and values therebetween.

By “dry film” it is meant a film formed upon water and any otheroptional volatile substances, if present in the formulation, evaporate.

The dimensions and shape of the film are determined per the target area.

For example, when the object is a tree, the formulation can be appliedas a ring or and/or around the tree trunk. The width of the ring can befrom one cm to 100 cm, or, for a non-limiting example, from 1 to 15(e.g., about 5 cm), including any intermediate subranges and valuestherebetween. When applied on the tree trunk, the ring can be applied tothe tree trunk at a height of from a few cm from the ground and up tothe first branch split (e.g., up to one meter from the ground).

In some embodiments, the formulation is applied to a target area at arepellency effective amount respective to the target insect.

The term “repellency effective amount”, as used herein, means a minimumamount of the formulation which repels, or substantially prevents theinsect from invading the object, when compared to the same area orobject which is untreated. The amount needed can vary in accordance withthe repellent formulation used; the type of area or object to betreated; the number of days of repellency needed; and the environment inwhich the area or object is located.

The precise amount of repellent needed can easily be determined by onehaving ordinary skill in the art given the teachings of the instantapplication. In the Examples section that follows, typicalconcentrations needed to repel ants from trees are exemplified.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of anaqueous formulation as described herein which is applied by brushing orsmearing ranges from 0.01 to 1, or from 0.01 to 0.5, or from 0.05 to0.5, or from 0.1 to 0.25, or from 0.05 to 0.2, or from 0.15 to 0.2grams, per square cm of the object's surface (e.g., a tree trunk).

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of anaqueous formulation as described herein which is applied by sprayingranges from 0.05 to 5, or from 0.05 to 0.4, or from 0.05 to 0.3 or from0.08 to 0.3 grams, per square cm of the object's surface (e.g., a treetrunk).

Without being bound by any particular theory, it is assumed that sincefor application of an aqueous formulation as described herein byspraying it is preferably to use a formulation comprising a lowerconcentration of a tacky polymeric material (e.g., as describedhereinabove), an amount of the applied formulation is higher, comparedto a formulation applied by brushing or smearing.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of anon-aqueous formulation as described herein which is applied by brushingor smearing ranges from 0.01 to 0.2, or from 0.01 to 0.15, or from 0.02to 0.15, or from 0.04 to 0.15 grams, per square cm of the object'ssurface (e.g., a tree trunk).

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of anon-aqueous formulation as described herein which is applied by sprayingranges from 0.01 to 0.2, or from 0.01 to 0.15, or from 0.02 to 0.15, orfrom 0.04 to 0.15 grams, per square cm of the object's surface (e.g., atree trunk).

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, an amount of aformulation to be applied to an object's surface is such that providesfor at least 0.02 grams, or at least 0.03 grams, or at least 0.04 grams,or at least 0.05 grams, or at least 0.08 grams, of a tacky polymericcomposition as described herein per square cm of the object's surface.In some embodiments, an amount of a formulation to be applied to anobject's surface is such that provides an amount of a tacky polymericcomposition as described herein per square cm of the object's surfacethat ranges from about 0.04 grams to about 0.2 grams, or from about 0.04grams to about 0.15 grams, or from about 0.05 grams to about 0.15 grams,or from about 0.05 grams to about 0.12 grams, or from about 0.08 gramsto about 0.12 grams, per square cm of the object's surface.

In some embodiments, the formulation is applied in an amount which isnon-phytotoxic to the plant object.

In some of any of the embodiments described herein, the object or thearea to be treated is situated outdoors, and is exposed to environmental(e.g., weather) conditions such as sunlight, heat, cold, humidity andprecipitations.

Typically, currently known repellent compositions used to treat outdoorsobjects or areas require higher amounts or concentration of theformulation or repeated applications, since the composition decomposesor detaches from the target area, or otherwise features reducedrepellent activity over time.

In contrast, in some embodiments, a formulation as described hereinforms, upon its application, a film which is characterized as remainingadhered to the surface for at least one month, also when subjected toenvironmental conditions as described herein.

In some embodiments, a method as described herein comprises re-applyingthe formulation after a first time period, and the first time period isat least 1 month, or at least two months, and can be also three monthsor more.

In some embodiments, re-applying is repeatedly effected after a second,third, fourth and so forth, time periods, as needed, and the timeintervals between repeated applications are each at least 1, 2, 3, ormore months.

In some embodiments, the object is a plant, and application of theformulation is effected once or twice per the plant's growth season. By“growth season” or “growing season” it is meant a time period duringwhich local weather conditions (i.e. precipitations and/or temperature)permit normal plant growth. A “growing season”, for example, is a timeperiod at which fruits or flowers of a plant grow.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from thisapplication many relevant tacky polymers and/or surface active agentsand/or thixotropic agents will be developed and the scope of the termstacky polymer, surface active agent, and thixotropic agent is intendedto include all such new technologies a priori.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10% or ±5%.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “including”, “having”and their conjugates mean “including but not limited to”.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the composition, methodor structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, butonly if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materiallyalter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition,method or structure.

As used herein, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example,the term “a compound” or “at least one compound” may include a pluralityof compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention maybe presented in a range format. It should be understood that thedescription in range format is merely for convenience and brevity andshould not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of theinvention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be consideredto have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well asindividual numerical values within that range. For example, descriptionof a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specificallydisclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numberswithin that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This appliesregardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to includeany cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and asecond indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and aremeant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all thefractional and integral numerals therebetween.

As used herein the term “method” refers to manners, means, techniquesand procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limitedto, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, orreadily developed from known manners, means, techniques and proceduresby practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological,biochemical and medical arts.

As used herein, the term “treating” includes abrogating, substantiallyinhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition,substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical symptoms of acondition or substantially preventing the appearance of clinical oraesthetical symptoms of a condition.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other describedembodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the contextof various embodiments are not to be considered essential features ofthose embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without thoseelements.

Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineatedhereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find experimentalsupport in the following examples.

EXAMPLES

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with theabove descriptions illustrate some embodiments of the invention in a nonlimiting fashion.

Example 1

100 grams of an aqueous-based ant repellent was prepared by grinding andmixing (by means of high shear forces in a hand mix dissolver) thefollowing ingredients:

-   -   67 grams polybutene, MW=2500 Daltons, obtained from H-2100;    -   3.93 grams Branched oxoalcohol C11 with 5 mol EO (CAS No.        127036-24-2); and    -   1.14 grams Oleic acid by Sigma Aldrich,    -   and thereafter adding to the mixture 25.17 grams water,        gradually, during about 10 minutes.

To the resulting dispersion, an anti-foaming agent (0.33 gram), apreservative (0.33) gram and fumed silica (Cab-O-sil 5) (2 grams), wereadded, gradually, during 15 minutes.

Finally, a 50% sodium bicarbonate solution was added (about 0.1 gram)until a pH of 6.5-6.8 is achieved.

The obtained formulation, in a form of dispersion, is odorless andtransparent.

Viscosity of the obtained formulation was measured using a Brookfieldviscometer, spindle LV4, operated at 20 rpm, at 23° C., according toASTM D 2556-93A.

The formulation exhibits a viscosity of 20,000 centipoises, whenmeasured as described hereinabove.

Tackiness was measured according to the ASTM 6195-03 loop tack test.

In brief, the loop tack test is performed using a tensile machine. As asample, LDPE film, being 25 mm in width and 175 mm in length is used (asshown in FIG. 3A), and is contacted with a galvanized stainless steelplate coated by 25×100 mm of the aqueous-based ant repellentformulation, as shown in FIG. 3B, to full cover (25 mm×25 mm). The testis performed at a speed of 300 mm/minutes. The entire test system isshown in FIG. 3C. The recorded force, as measured in this test, was0.3-1.5 N, for a sample featuring dimensions as indicated.

These data indicate that a strength required for peeling the film formedby the tested formulation, which reflects its tackiness, as measured inthis test, is 480-2400 N/m².

Example 2

The formulation described in Example 1 above was applied to several treespecies, as detailed in Table 2 below, by forming a ring featuring aheight of about 5-10 cm around the tree trunk, at least 1 meter fromground level or at the highest point of trunk before the first branchingor on each of the lowest branches right after the first branching.

Observations regarding durability and ant-repellency were made duringdifferent time periods. The tested trees were exposed to sunlight andprecipitation during the test. Ant repellency was observed during thetested period in all tested species (while it is noted that non-treatedtrees in the same orchard were infested by ants). No phytotoxicity wasobserved in older trees, while partial phytotoxicity was observed inyoung Avocado trees.

The obtained data is presented in Table 2 below.

As can be seen, in almost all tested plant species an amount of 500-2000grams per one square meter, (e.g., of about 1500 grams per 1 squaremeter) was applied as a ring of 5-10 cm width around the tree trunk.

TABLE 2 Amount of Height of Trunk Applied Applied CircumferenceFormulation Formulation Species Age No. (cm) (grams) (cm) durabilitytoxicity Avocado 2 4 3 9 5 Durable Partially (planted two weeks for atphytotoxic years ago) least 2 months Persimmon 2 4 30 60 7 DurablePartially years for at phytotoxic least one month Citrus 2 5 30 25 10Durable Non- (Var. Or) years for at phytotoxic least 7 months Citrus2-14 5 30 35 10 Partially Non- (Var. years durable phytotoxic Orange)after 3 months Pomegranate 2 4 30 35 7 Durable Non- years for atphytotoxic least 6 months

Exemplary photographs of a Lemon tree and a Persimmon tree, uponapplication of an exemplary formulation of the present embodiments, arepresented in FIGS. 4A-C.

All treated trees remained ants-free for the period of 10 months. Thetreated surfaces remained tacky with no melting when exposed to thesummer heat and no washing when exposed to rain.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modificationsand variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scopeof the appended claims.

It is the intent of the applicant(s) that all publications, patents andpatent applications referred to in this specification are to beincorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, asif each individual publication, patent or patent application wasspecifically and individually noted when referenced that it is to beincorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation oridentification of any reference in this application shall not beconstrued as an admission that such reference is available as prior artto the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used,they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, anypriority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its/their entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A formulation comprising a tacky polymericcomposition, an emulsifying agent or system and water, wherein an amountof said water is at least 20 weight percents of the total weight of theformulation, and wherein a weight ratio of said polymer and said surfaceactive agent or system is at least 10:3, the formulation being devoid ofan organic solvent.
 2. The formulation of claim 1, wherein said tackypolymeric composition comprises or consists of a tacky polymer.
 3. Theformulation of claim 2, wherein said tacky polymer is a polyolefin. 4.The formulation of claim 1, wherein an amount of said tacky polymericcomposition is at least 40 weight percents of the total weight of theformulation.
 5. The formulation of claim 1, wherein said tacky polymericcomposition is characterized by tackiness of at least 400 N/m², or atleast 480 N/m².
 6. The formulation of claim 1, wherein an amount of saidemulsifying agent or system ranges from 0.1 to 27 weight percents, ofthe total weight of the formulation.
 7. The formulation of claim 1,wherein said emulsifying agent or system features an HLB value lower byat least 5% or by at least 10%, or by at least 20%, from the HLB valuerequired for forming a stable formulation of said tacky polymericcomposition and water.
 8. The formulation of claim 1, wherein saidemulsifying agent or system features an HLB value lower than
 15. 9. Theformulation of claim 1, further comprising a thixotropic agent.
 10. Amethod of repelling a pest from an object, the method comprisingapplying the formulation of claim 1 on a surface of the object and/ornear at least a portion of the object.
 11. The method of claim 10,wherein the pest is an insect.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein saidobject is a plant.
 13. The method of claim 10, further comprisingre-applying the formulation after a first time period, said first timeperiod being at least 1 month.
 14. A formulation comprising athixotropic agent and a tacky polymeric composition, wherein an amountof said thixotropic agent ranges from 1 to 10 percent by weight of thetotal weight of the formulation, the formulation being devoid of anorganic solvent.
 15. The formulation of claim 14, being a non-aqueousformulation.
 16. The formulation of claim 14, wherein said tackypolymeric composition comprises or consists of a tacky polymer.
 17. Theformulation of claim 16, wherein said tacky polymer is a polyolefin. 18.The formulation of claim 14, being configured for dispensing by brushingor smearing, wherein an amount of said thixotropic agent ranges from 3to 7 percent by weight of the total weight of the formulation, and anamount of said tacky polymeric composition ranges from 50 to 70 percentby weight of the total weight of the formulation.
 19. The formulation ofclaim 14, being configured for dispensing by spraying, wherein an amountof said thixotropic agent ranges from 5 to 10 percent by weight of thetotal weight of the formulation, and an amount of said tacky polymericcomposition ranges from 80 to 95 percent by weight of the total weightof the formulation.
 20. A method of repelling a pest from a plant, themethod comprising applying the formulation of claim 14 to a trunk of theplant, thereby repelling the pest from the plant.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein said pest is an insect.
 22. The method of claim 20,wherein said applying is by brushing or smearing, and wherein an amountof said thixotropic agent ranges from 3 to 7 percent by weight of thetotal weight of the formulation, and an amount of said tacky polymericcomposition ranges from 50 to 70 percent by weight of the total weightof the formulation.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein said applying isby spraying, and wherein an amount of said thixotropic agent ranges from5 to 10 percent by weight of the total weight of the formulation, and anamount of said tacky polymeric composition ranges from 80 to 95 percentby weight of the total weight of the formulation.
 24. The method ofclaim 20, further comprising re-applying the formulation after a firsttime period, said first time period being at least 1 month.